Ahhh, book marketing. Now there’s a complex topic that every author who wants to experience success, must address. The truth is, no matter which publishing option you choose, you—the author—are responsible for marketing your book. Always consider yourself the CEO of your book, especially when it comes to book promotion.
So what does it take to promote a book?
- An understanding of book promotion in this fiercely competitive industry.
- Your undivided attention.
It also takes time, effort, and skills. Now the skills you have or choose to hone in order to promote your novel might be totally different from those required for the memoirist or the author of a business book. And your personality might come into play when considering the type of activities you’ll engage in.
I know authors who are outgoing and social. They love speaking before groups and teaching workshops in order to promote their how-to, informational, or self-help books, for example. Those authors with disabilities might do all of their promotion via the Internet. The promotional activities you engage in, might depend on the type of book you’re promoting. Thus, most authors come face-to-face with the learning curve when it comes to book promotion.
If you are unsure about and ill-equipped for book promotion, you really must get yourself up to speed. Keep in mind that no one will buy a book they don’t know exists. And no one else cares enough about your book to give it the marketing edge it needs in order to sell.
Here again, I suggest reading books on book marketing. I highly recommend my book, Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author. Subscribe to newsletters and attend conferences and lectures focusing on book promotion. See the resources list at my website: http://www.matilijapress.com/forwriters/resources.html
If you think that writing the book was a big deal—took a lot of time, energy, and effort—just wait until you’re faced with the task of book promotion. By the way, do you know how long you’ll need to stay in marketing mode with your book? Only for as long as you want it to sell. Yes, it’s ongoing and forever.